HomeMy WebLinkAbout27685.docx(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF WORLDCOM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY.
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CASE NO. GNR-T-97-15
ORDER NO. 27685
On August 13, 1997, WorldCom Technologies, Inc. (WorldCom) filed an Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity requesting authorization to provide local telecommunications service pursuant to Title 61 and Title 62, Idaho Code. WorldCom amended its Application on November 25, 1997 to comply with applicable Idaho laws and Commission rules regarding applications for a certificate. WorldCom currently is authorized to provide telecommunication service pursuant to Title 62, Idaho Code and plans to provide local exchange service through a wholly owned subsidiary—MFS Intelenet, Inc.—to Idaho residences and businesses within U S WEST and GTE service areas. Although WorldCom does not yet have an interconnection agreement with U S WEST or GTE, WorldCom plans to provide local service through resale arrangements with those companies.
On March 13, 1998, the Commission issued a Notice of Application and Notice of Modified Procedure to process WorldCom’s Application. During the comment period, written comments were filed by the Commission Staff and the Ada County Highway District. Staff expressed concerns that allegations of slamming had been brought against WorldCom, including 20 from January 1 through March 27, 1998. However, Staff also noted that because WorldCom resells its services to other interexchange carriers, it is possible that companies other than WorldCom were actually responsible for the alleged slamming. The resale of services sometimes involves complex billing arrangements, and customers do not always know which company originated the unauthorized request to switch companies.
The second issue identified by Staff relates to WorldCom’s financial stability. Staff had been informed by the Ada County Highway District that WorldCom had not paid for permits required to install facilities within Ada County. Since filing its written comments, Staff has been informed that WorldCom has paid its obligations to the highway district.
Staff also worked with WorldCom to resolve Staff’s concern of slamming. WorldCom provided additional information regarding complaints against its resellers, and also about the remaining complaints against WorldCom. It does not appear that WorldCom engages in false or deceptive marketing practices or routinely switches carriers without authorization by the customer. Staff therefore recommends approval of WorldCom’s Application.
COMMISSION FINDINGS
Based on our review of the record, including the filed written comments and Staff’s recommendation, we find that the Application of WorldCom Technologies, Inc., complies with Procedural Order No. 26665 and the Commission’s Rules to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. We therefore approve WorldCom’s Application for a Certificate to provide local exchange service in the areas served by U S WEST and GTE.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that WorldCom Technologies, Inc. is granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide local telecommunications service in those areas of the state served by U S WEST and GTE.
THIS IS A FINAL ORDER. Any person interested in this Order may petition for reconsideration within twenty-one (21) days of the service date of this Order. Within seven (7) days after any person has petitioned for reconsideration, any other person may cross-petition for reconsideration. See Idaho Code § 61-626.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this day of August 1998.
DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT
RALPH NELSON, COMMISSIONER
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/O:GNR-T-97-15.ws2
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Service Date
August 26, 1998